THROWBACK THURSDAY: LES DAVIDSON

The Dubbo firebrand played 244 games for South Sydney and Cronulla from 1984-98, while also touring with the 1986 Kangaroos, and representing Australia in four Tests and NSW in five Origins.

‘Bundy’ was the archetypal ‘take no prisoners’ rugby league forward, taking on every enforcer in the premiership with little regard for reputation, self-preservation or consequences.

Even during the rough-and-tumble 1980s, Davidson could have been considered a throwback to a bygone era of intimidation and borderline thuggery. For Throwback Thursday, we’re looking back at Davidson’s most notable scraps and run-ins.

Les Davidson v Paul Sironen (1987)

Proving mateship means little when you’re wearing a different jumper, Davidson brawled with Kangaroo Tour chum ‘Sirro’ after taking exception to a tackle by the Tigers tyro:

Also in 1988, Davidson went the biff with Manly veteran and former Test prop Don McKinnon, landing a few clean shots:

Les Davidson v Peter Kelly (1989)

In this blatant incident, Davidson was sin-binned for punching Penrith front-rower Peter Kelly’s head-gear clean of his melon in a scrum in a 1989 encounter.

Les Davidson v John Plath (1997)

As his career wore on, it wasn’t just rival props and second-rowers ‘Bundy’ went after. He had a stoush with Brisbane imp Allan Langer in a 1996 finals match, while he unloaded on Broncos utility John Plath in the following season’s Super League decider.

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Will Evans

CBS’s Editor-in-Chief and lead rugby league, union and cricket writer, Will is a Christchurch-based freelancer, also writing for Big League and Rugby League Review magazines, and The New Daily website. Will has written four rugby league books.

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